A-C police wait to release name of shooting suspect

Posted: Wednesday, August 11, 1999

By Stephen GurrStaff Writer

Athens-Clarke police have identified a suspect in the Sunday morning shooting death of an Athens man but are delaying the release of his name until they have a chance to show witnesses a photo lineup, authorities said Tuesday.

Lt. C.S. Newson said investigators still have some witnesses to talk to before going public with the suspect's name and picture.

Manuel Valle, a 20-year-old migrant construction worker, died in a hail of gunfire about 4 a.m. Sunday outside an apartment complex at 860 Sunset Drive.

Police said the shooting stemmed from an argument that escalated into a fight. At least a dozen people were present outside the predominantly Hispanic apartment complex when the shooting occurred, investigators said.

Valle died of multiple gunshot wounds, police said. His body is expected to be taken to his native Mexico for burial.

Sunday's fatal shooting was the fifth murder in Athens this year, and the second to go without an arrest.

Police are also seeking the killer of an Athens man in what investigators believe was a drug-related slaying.

Rowland Susswell, 41, of 215 Nellie B Ave. was gunned down about 3:30 a.m. Feb. 27 on a sidewalk near the corner of Vine Street and Nellie B Avenue.

Police identified a prime suspect in that case, but later determined after several interviews that the man could not have committed the murder.